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25-503: Often considered the more relaxed alternative to the busy streets and bars of Bocas del Toro District but at only 10 minutes by water taxi Isla Bastimentos is becoming an increasingly popular destination for backpackers. Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park and the Red Frog Island Resort's Nature Preserve encompass a large portion of Bastimentos Island, Zapatilla Cays , as well as the waters and mangroves that surround

50-454: A part of Chiriqui, then was separated from it and became part of Colon. On November 16, 1903, Bocas del Toro was separated from Colon and became its own province. In 1941, Bocas del Toro was divided into two districts, Bocas del Toro and Crimamola. Four years later, it became part of the same division as before. In 1970, Bocas del Toro district became Changuinola, the district of Bastimentos was eliminated, and three new districts were added, making

75-457: Is 21,396. The district covers a total area of 433.2 km². The capital lies at the town of Bocas del Toro . Major industries include tourism and agriculture. Bocas del Toro District is divided administratively into the following corregimientos : Bocas del Toro is a coastal location with a tropical climate. The area does not have a predictable dry season. The driest times are late August to mid-October, February, and March. Bocas del Toro

100-473: Is an hour earlier). The province contains two national parks, Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park and La Amistad International Park . The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute operates a research station on Colón Island just northwest of Bocas Town. There are many banana plantations in Bocas del Toro, often called the oro verde , or green gold of Central America . Christopher Columbus explored

125-489: Is from November to April, which also coincides with the dry season as well as the being the best surf season. The best months to visit Bocas del Toro for dry weather are January, February, March, May, September, and October. These are statistically the driest months of the year. However, dry weather is also common in June, August, November, and even the wettest month of the year, December, can see weeks without rain. Bocas del Toro

150-632: Is humid. Thundershowers and heavy rain are common. Normal temperatures are consistent all year (Hi: 83-90, low: 71-75). Due to its low latitude, sunrise is around 6 AM, and sunset is around 6 PM local time. These times vary slightly during the year. Weather data is collected at Bocas del Toro "Isla Colón" International Airport : The district consists of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago and a coastal mainland area. Ferries, water taxis, and private boats provide transportation to many locations. Buses connect boat docks and mainland commununities to adjacent districts and

175-675: Is included in the figure quoted for Changuinola District, from which Almirante was divided. Bocas del Toro is a travel destination that is most known for its vibrant culture, beaches, rainforests, and surfing. It is estimated that 95% of the economy in Bocas del Toro is based on tourism. The most popular destinations in Bocas del Toro are the Zapatilla Islands, the Bastimentos National Marine Park , Starfish Beach, Red Frog Beach, Bluff Beach, and Hospital Point. The High-Season for tourism in Bocas del Toro

200-544: Is non-existent. The government is working on building more infrastructure in rural areas. Bocas del Toro Province Bocas del Toro ( Spanish pronunciation: [ˈbokas ðel ˈtoɾo] ; meaning "Mouths of the Bull") is a province of Panama . Its area is 4,643.9 square kilometers, comprising the mainland and nine main islands. The province consists of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago , Bahía Almirante (Almirante Bay), Chiriquí Lagoon , and adjacent mainland. The capital

225-514: Is not a typical Caribbean tourist destination such as Cancún or the US Virgin Islands . It is very much still a 3rd world destination that is embracing development at a typically slow and laid back pace. There are no large hotels lining the beaches or big resorts covering the islands. Instead, there are small, boutique accommodations. Common activities in Bocas del Toro include Surfing, Scuba Diving, exploring Bat Caves, learning about

250-462: Is the city of Bocas del Toro (or Bocas Town) on Isla Colón (Colón Island). Other major cities or towns include Almirante and Changuinola . The province has a population of 159,228 as of 2023. Christopher Columbus and his crew first visited the area in 1502. Bocas del Toro borders the Caribbean Sea to the north, Limón Province of Costa Rica to the west, Chiriquí Province to

275-427: The Bocas del Toro Important Bird Area (IBA), designated as such by BirdLife International because it supports significant populations of white-crowned pigeons and three-wattled bellbirds . Between the months of April to June and August through October the water conditions tend to be the calmest, and at times this portion of the island can be accessed. Although the larger wave season stretches from August to March,

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300-481: The area in 1502 while searching for the passage to the Pacific Ocean . Columbus's original name for the island was Isla del Drago. In colonial times, Bocas del Toro was part of Veraguas . It was originally part of Costa Rica until, in one of many territorial disputes, Colombia took control of it with armed forces. The then government made a reservation called Bocas del Toro in 1834. In 1850, Bocas del Toro became

325-478: The east, and 11 km to the north-east of Porto Bello . The terrain of the island is rather hilly. There are some lava rock outcroppings. The north eastern side of Bastimentos Island faces the Caribbean Sea. Five beaches are found here along with stretches of cove inlets and coral reef. These beaches are: Wizard Beach, Red Frog Beach, Turtle Beach, North Beach and Playa Larga. The south western side of

350-402: The fearsome name. They make a loud, raucous sound throughout the day. Red Frog Beach ( Playa Pata Rojo ) is the island's most accessible and frequently visited beach area. During the rainy season, dolphins can regularly be seen swimming with their offspring within the various coves in the area, accessed only by boat or trail these sightings are truly memorable experiences. The island is part of

375-632: The island can still be accessed easily and many surfers come to the area, and there are many sunny days during this period. There is a Canopy Zipline Tour on the island at the Red Frog Beach Resort and a cave tour up salt creek on the island. There are now many places to stay on Isla Bastimentos: Red Frog Beach Island Resort, Palmar Tent Lodge, Tranquilo Bay, Al Natural Resort, Selina Red Frog, Bocas Bound Hostel, Bubba's House, Casa Cayuco, Eclypse de Mar, and many others. Idyllic beaches, panoramic views of Caribbean coast lined with rainforest and

400-419: The island has a mangrove coastline with very calm water year round. The landscape is much more dramatic, with large rock faces, stretches of long beaches, in addition to coves and inlets. Most tourists take a 15-minute water taxi ride from Bocas Town to the south side of Bastimentos and walk across the island to Red Frog Beach. Virtually all of the beaches are located on this western side of the island, including

425-477: The island. The western tip of the island, better known as Bastimentos, is clearly visible from Bocas town, and is not part of the National Park itself. There are several private residences here. Christopher Columbus landed his boat here in 1502 on his 4th voyage and called the island Bastimentos which means "provisions." It is not to be confused with another Bastimentos Island and port about 270 km to

450-652: The large nature preserve at the Red Frog Beach Island Resort, and La Amistad International Park (Parque Internacional La Amistad), which spans the Costa Rica – Panama border. Bocas del Toro contains most of the Panamanian section of the park, which covers 400,000 hectares (4,000 km ; 1,544 sq mi). The Costa Rican section of the park covers 584,592 hectares (5,846 km ; 2,257 sq mi). La Amistad International Park

475-585: The local indigenous cultures, Cacao Farm tours, hiking, and nightlife. Bocas del Toro is becoming famous globally for the abundance of newly constructed and affordable overwater bungalow hotels. Over the next decade, it is predicted to be a competing location to the Maldives and Tahiti for overwater bungalows. The national parks in the province are Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park (Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos), which contains most of Isla Bastimentos and some smaller nearby islands and extends into

500-413: The popular Red Frog Beach, which got its name from small, red frogs known as Strawberry Poison-dart frogs that inhabit the forest near the beach. The most common entrance point is via Red Frog Marina, which is located on the western (opposite) side of the island. Crawl Cay and Zapatilla Cays are islands situated near the southern and eastern portions of the island. A network of informal trails connects

525-477: The province what it is today. The districts' areas changed in 1997 when the Ngöbe-Buglé Comarca was created. The province is the home of the unique Bocas del Toro Creole of English. Bocas del Toro Province is divided into 4 districts and 30 corregimientos . On 8 June 2015 the new Almirante District was created, after splitting out from Changuinola District. The area of Almirante District

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550-477: The relaxing atmosphere are just some of the attractions of this fabulous island. There are numerous trails across the island, through lush rainforest that provide a taste of nature in its purest form. Bocas del Toro District Bocas del Toro is a district ( distrito ) of Bocas del Toro Province in Panama . The population according to the 2012 census was 16,815; the latest official estimate (for 2019)

575-413: The rest of Panama. Bocas del Toro "Isla Colón" International Airport provides passenger and cargo flights to Panama and Costa Rica. Roads are usually dirt or gravel. Larger highways may be paved. Bocas del Toro is a rural district. Schools and medical clinics operate around the district. Sanitation is limited. Water filtration and treatment facilities are non-existent in most communities. Sewage treatment

600-452: The south, and Ngöbe-Buglé Comarca to the east. The Río Sixaola forms part of the border with Costa Rica . A newly constructed bridge spans the river between Guabito and Sixaola , Costa Rica. The bridge is a border crossing used by tourists going between destinations in Bocas del Toro and Costa Rica. Walk across the bridge via the pedestrian causeway or register your vehicle in advance to cross between 8am and 6pm (Panamá time, Costa Rica

625-518: The town of Old Bank to Red Frog Resort and the Marina, as well as a road network built at Red Frog Resort connects the resort with the marina, Red Frog Beach, and various other hostels and hotels near the marina. The island's eastern side is lined with dense, lush mangroves and enjoys calmer water, partially due to the water's shallow depths. White faced monkeys are common, as are sloths and Strawberry poison-dart frogs , much beloved by visitors, despite

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